Kate Ryder never disappoints when it comes to romantic suspense novels. Beneath Cornish Skies weaves magic and touches at heartstrings whilst giving you the feeling of empowerment to start over.
Cassandra Shaw seems is living a perfect, wonderful life with her wealthy and very handsome boyfriend David in South Downs, Sussex. They live in a beautiful house with a lavish lifestyle; Cassie is not expected to work and anything she wants David provides yet with all that she has she feels empty and is lost within her abilities and self-doubt is consuming her.
David is controlling and dominant which adds to her insecurities, she feels as though she is treated more like the help than a loving a partner, when she finds out David has cheated on her Cassie knows she must move on.
Cassie sees an advertisement for a housekeeper in a rambling manor on the North East coast of Cornwall she applies and is successful. Her journey of self-discovery begins as she settles into Foxcombe Manor.
The work for the young family is gruelling but also very rewarding. As Cassie explores the area she begins to feel secure and safe in her new surrounds; connecting with the history of the area, nature and scenery with dramatic vistas of stark landscapes and imposing cliffs that have a magical, mystique feel to them.
When Cassie meets Luke, a neighbour of the manor she is not thinking about romance as she is exploring who she is without David. But, as she spends more time with Luke she is captivated by his stories of the Cornwall area and a deep friendship is forged that leads to courtship.
I loved how Cassie came out of her shell and found her spark in life; it was fun to see her story unfold, you could literally feel her character glow. Learning to walk away from people and situations that threaten your peace of mind, self-respect, values, morals or self-worth is hard to do and I loved how this novel encapsulated this.
This was a delightful book of romance with a touch of history about Cornwall and other main characters that you will fall in love with. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read and review.
ISBN: 9781800243811 / Publisher: Head of Zeus / Harper Collins
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club members are reading Beneath Cornish Skies. Read their feedback below, or add your own review!
My love of books started at a very young age. My mum has always been a reader and encouraged me to read, buying me endless book from classic fairy tales advancing to the world of Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, Louisa May Alcott, Kathryn Kenny, Carolyn Keene, Francine Pascal. In my adult years the list of authors is endless and every room in my house is filled with books.
One of my favourite novels is Narnia which has always has a special place in my heart. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1978 and when I was given this book to read it let me escape to another world where I felt like I was in the book with all the characters, it wasfun and exciting to escape from reality and eased the ups and downs of the disease at such a young age.
In books nothing is impossible and there is endless potential and hundreds of places to explore or being taken to places that are only made up from the authors’ great minds, the past and future to navigate, characters lives you step into taking you on an emotional rollercoaster ride or being scared out of your wits. I can experience things that I can’t in real life because they’re not possible or real. It challenges my perspective and mindset expanding my worldview.
I find joy, comfort and peace with books, many people may not get it, but I know bookworms like me truly understand. Reading makes my heart happy.
‘Beneath Cornish Skies’ by Kate Ryder was a really interesting book to read. It did take me a little while to get into it because I kept thinking ‘where was this going?’, but in the other hand I wanted to keep reading to find out. I loved the whimsy of the ghosts and Luke’s historical descriptions. I was worried about the ending, but that turned out just great too! Thank you Beauty and Lace for letting me review this book >:o)
Cassandra didnt have the amazing childhood of some, few friends and even less opportunities. Her family were not all that but still they were taken from her too early. David rescued her that day, stayed to keep her calm, opened a door to a life changed.
Fast forward and her life with David has all money can buy, land and an amazing home, a social circle thats to die for and David in his stunning looks being her man. But when she sees an unsettling interaction between David and their house keeper doubts move in. She wants more, a family, a home that is more than a show home. When she raises it with him, he shuts her down and the life she has starts to crumble.
Looking for more she takes on a job keeping the house, horses and children of Ginny and Giles. A paid job and an opportunity to grow. So much to learn, to seek herself and figure out where her and David will be.
A touching read with layers of story as Cassandra transforms from Sandie to Cassie and finds her inner self. I do love stories of challenge that show doors and options in amongst drama and knowledge. Tales of Cornwall history, ghosts, kindred spirited friendship, a warm fuzzy read.
Thabks to Beauty & Lace and Kate Ryder for a cuddly read ☺
This was definitely one book I could get immersed in very quickly. So different to what I was expecting and a page turner.
I didn’t want this book to end as I loved her journey in life guided by spirits it seemed.
I thought there was just something odd about David all along and the secrets he kept from her.
I loved Ginny and Giles and their kids. Was such a beautiful ending and by being with who she was meant to be with and how the spirits were at peace or rather played a part in a happy ending was comforting.
Fantastic book!!! Thanks so much x
Sadly I had major problems trying to read this book.
I tried and tried but just did not enjoy reading it at all.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this and this is my honest review.
Beautifully written story of a girl who is saved from a wreck, and goes on to lead a life of luxury. Over time her life feels empty, so she musters the courage to leave, and start a new life, on the Cornish coast.
Full of doubts and insecurities, she meets some wonderful people, and starts to ‘find ‘ her true self.
Cass meets an interesting man, and slowly a comfortable friendship ensues, but will both find the courage to let go of all that is holding them back, and move forward into the life they were meant to lead.?
A touch of ghostliness, deep and remarkable history of the house she lives in, as well as mystery in the woods, makes for a great page turner.
Beautifully written story of a girl who is saved from a wreck, and goes on to lead a life of luxury. Over time her life feels empty, so she musters the courage to leave, and start a new life, on the Cornish coast.
Full of doubts and insecurities, she meets some wonderful people, and starts to ‘find ‘ her true self.
Cass meets an interesting man, and slowly a comfortable friendship ensues, but will both find the courage to let go of all that is holding them back, and move forward into the life they were meant to lead.?
A touch of ghostliness, deep and remarkable history of the house she lives in, as well as mystery in the woods, makes for a great page turner.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this fabulous e-book.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review ‘Beneath Cornish Skies’ by Kate Ryder. Unfortunately it wasn’t for me and I just couldn’t get into the story
Beneath Cornish Skies is a beautifully written story about having the courage to let go of bad situations and to find yourself. Cassie seems like she has the perfect life with her wealthy partner David. In reality her life is controlled, she doesn’t work and she has low self worth. After finding out he is cheating she makes the break and heads to Cornwall to work as a housekeeper. Here she finally has the ability to be free and rediscover who she is again with the help of some new friends along the way.
I loved finding out about the area and I know this is a beautiful part of the world I would love to escape to.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Head of Zeus for the opportunity to review it
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Kate Ryder for the opportunity to read and review this story.
Cassie Shaw, the main character, is torn between a seemingly perfect life and the feeling of something lacking within this life. Taking an opportunity to work as a live in nanny, she finds out about herself and what may have been missing from her perfect life.
The vivid storytelling of Kate Ryder creates beautiful imagery and takes the reader on Cassie’s adventure, the emotions easily identifiable and portrayed. Looking forward to reading more by Kate Ryder.